How to Start Selling on Amazon FBA as a Beginner: Step-by-Step Guide 2025

There are now more than 9.7 million sellers worldwide, and around 82% of active marketplace sellers use Amazon FBA to power their fulfillment. And thanks to that scale, third-party sellers contribute over 60% of Amazon’s product sales.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of running a business that makes money while you sleep, Amazon FBA is the best place to start. And now is the time to get moving. 

Because Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) lets you tap into Amazon’s massive global customer base without the headache of managing logistics yourself. It’s no wonder thousands of entrepreneurs, from college students to full-time founders, are jumping into Amazon FBA every year.

In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through how to start selling on Amazon FBA,from sourcing your first product and creating a high-impact listing, to launching, operating and scaling your Amazon FBA business.

And if you’re building this from outside the US or need a solid business foundation, doola simplifies the process by handling US company formation, tax setup and banking so you can focus on sales, not paperwork.

What Is Amazon FBA and How It Works

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is Amazon’s logistics program that handles the heavy lifting for sellers. You send your inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, and they take care of storing, packing, shipping, and even customer service.

Here’s how it works in simple terms:

1. You list your products on Amazon.
2. You ship your inventory to an Amazon fulfillment center.
3. When someone places an order, Amazon picks, packs, and ships it for you.
4. Amazon also manages returns and customer inquiries on your behalf.

This means you can focus on sourcing and selling, while Amazon takes care of the rest.

🔖 Related Read: How to Open an Amazon Seller Account for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide 2025

FBA vs. FBM: What’s the Difference?

Let’s first clear up one of the biggest questions new sellers have: should you let Amazon handle fulfillment or do it yourself?

When you sell on Amazon, you have two main fulfillment options: FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) and FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant). Both can lead to success, but they cater to very different types of sellers and business models.

Do take a moment to compare and contrast FBA vs. FBM before you get started:

Aspect	FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon)	FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant)
Storage & Shipping	Amazon stores, packs, and ships your products	You store and ship orders yourself
Prime Eligibility	✅ Yes, automatically eligible for Amazon Prime	❌ No (unless enrolled in Seller Fulfilled Prime)
Customer Service	Handled by Amazon’s 24/7 team	You manage customer support directly
Fees	Slightly higher due to fulfillment & storage	Lower fees, but requires more manual work

If you’re just starting out, FBA is often the best choice. It saves time, boosts visibility through Prime eligibility, and gives your listings instant trust with customers.

How to Start Selling on Amazon FBA as a Beginner

Before you get started, remember: Amazon FBA isn’t a get-rich-quick play; it’s a smart game of setup, systems, and scale. The goal is to master each step and build your foundation the right way.

Here’s a quick rundown of what we will cover in this section:

Step 1: Choose the Right Product to Sell

Your product is the foundation of your entire FBA journey; choose wisely, and you could be sitting on a bestseller. Choose poorly, and you’ll be stuck with ‘dead stock’. The goal is simple:

Find products that are profitable, consistently in demand, and not drowning in competition.

Here’s how successful sellers approach smart product research:

1. Start with Amazon’s Best Sellers Rank (BSR)

For starters, just dig into the categories where products are flying off the shelves. A product with a low BSR (under 10,000) usually signals strong demand.

For example, if you see reusable silicone kitchen bags trending month after month, that’s a solid niche worth exploring.

📌 Note: A higher Best Sellers Rank (BSR) number means lower sales volume, so if your product sits in that range, you’ll need stronger profit margins per sale.

Products ranked under 2,000 in most categories tend to move fast, often generating consistent daily sales, which allows you to work with slimmer margins while still scaling profitably.

If you’re just starting out, here’s a quick example of how BSR impacts your monthly sales volume in top global marketplaces.

2. Check for steady, year-round demand

Avoid one-hit wonders like fidget spinners or holiday-only decor. Look for products that people buy all year like phone accessories, pet toys, or office organizers to ensure stable sales volume.

3. Target the sweet spot: low to medium competition + healthy margins

Aim for products where you can still stand out without needing massive ad spend. Your ideal profit margin should be somewhere around 25–30% after Amazon fees and shipping.

4. Avoid restricted, fragile, or oversized categories

Restricted products require extra approval, fragile ones risk returns, and oversized items burn through storage fees. As a beginner, you’ll want to keep things simple, affordable, and “low-risk”.

Always validate your product ideas using tools like Helium 10, Jungle Scout, or Amazon’s Product Opportunity Explorer. These tools show you sales volume, competition scores, and pricing trends and help you pick a winning category.

And if you’re a first-time seller, start small. Literally. Go for lightweight, non-electronic items like workout bands or stationery organizers. They’re cheaper to source, easier to ship, and perfect for testing the waters before scaling up.

Step 2: Find a Reliable Supplier

Once you’ve picked your product, the next step is to find a trustworthy supplier. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Explore trusted sourcing platforms

Start with Alibaba, IndiaMART, or local manufacturers in your country. These platforms connect you directly with factories and wholesalers producing almost everything imaginable, from yoga mats to stainless steel drinkware. 

Use platform filters and supplier ratings to shortlist only the most reputable ones.

2. Contact multiple suppliers and compare everything

Don’t stop at the first “good deal.” Get quotes from at least 3–5 suppliers and compare pricing, product quality, and Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs). A lower MOQ (say 100 units) is great when you’re testing a new product.

3. Always request product samples first

Never skip this step. A sample lets you test quality, packaging, and finish before investing big. It’s better to spend $50 on a sample than lose $1,000 on poor-quality stock later.

4. Discuss shipping terms, payment security, and lead times upfront

Ask about Incoterms (like FOB vs. CIF), delivery timelines, and payment methods.

Clear communication early on prevents nasty surprises later. If possible, opt for partial payments, for example, 30% upfront and 70% after inspection or shipment.

⚡ doola Tip: Always communicate through verified supplier platforms (like Alibaba’s chat) and use Trade Assurance or Escrow for secure payments. These features ensure your money is protected if the supplier doesn’t deliver as promised.

Step 3: Create Your Amazon Seller Account

You’ve got your product and your supplier, now it’s time to officially open shop. Before your first sale can happen, you’ll need an Amazon Seller Account, which is basically your digital storefront.

Head to sellercentral.amazon.com and keep these details ready to register and get started fast:

• Valid government-issued ID: This verifies your identity for compliance and security.

• Bank account and credit card: Amazon needs these to send your payouts and charge any applicable fees.

• Tax information: US sellers will need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) or SSN; international sellers can use their country-specific tax details.

• Phone number and business address: These are required for verification and account setup.

🔖 Related Read: A Guide to Amazon Taxes for Online Sellers in 2025

Once your documents are ready, you will choose between two types of seller plans as shown:

1. Individual Plan: No monthly fee, but Amazon charges $0.99 per sale. Perfect if you’re just testing the waters or plan to sell a few items each month.

2. Professional Plan: Costs $39.99 per month, regardless of how many units you sell. Best for serious sellers planning to scale quickly or manage multiple listings.

Now which plan should you select? It depends on your goals and scale; let’s weigh your options:

Feature	Individual Plan	Professional Plan
Per-item Fee	$0.99 per item	None
Monthly Subscription	None	$39.99/month
Access to Advanced Tools	❌ No	✅ Yes
Best For	Hobbyists, small-scale sellers	Serious or scaling sellers

After registration, you’ll gain access to your Amazon Seller Central account.

📌 Note: Keep your account information consistent and your documents clear (blurry uploads are a common reason for delays). Once verified, you’ll be ready to list your first product and officially kickstart your Amazon FBA journey.

⚠️ What if your verification stalls? Head to Seller Central Performance & Account Health and the email tied to your account. Upload clearer documents for verification, if prompted. Use PDFs where possible. Open a seller support case and include step-by-step notes along with your screenshots. Attach the original filenames. If it exceeds 7–10 days and you have submitted clear documents, escalate via phone support.

Step 4: Set Up Your FBA Product Listing

There are two ways to list a product on Amazon.

The first is for items already available on the platform; these products have an existing ASIN or Amazon Standard Identification Number, and your listing will merge with the shared product detail page for all sellers offering the same item. 

The second is for new or private-label products, which you’re listing on Amazon for the very first time, giving you full control over the product page and branding.

✅ Products Already For Sale On Amazon 

On Amazon Seller Central dashboard, go to the top menu bar → Inventory → Add a Product.

Let’s say you’re selling items you bought at wholesale prices and there’s already a listing on Amazon for that exact product.

The first thing you’ll need to do is copy the “ASIN” from the “product details” section of the existing listing exactly as shown in the screen capture below:

Next, navigate to Seller Central, click Catalog and select Add Products. This brings up a search bar where you can paste the ASIN. Doing so will bring up the product listing. Use the dropdown to describe the condition of your item (e.g., New, Used – Like New, Used – Very Good).

Click on “Sell this product,” set your price, select your fulfillment options (select “FBA” in this case), and follow the subsequent prompts.

You have the option to enter a SKU for your item, after which you can click the “Save and finish” button.

You can view all your active listing in the “Manage inventory” page of your Seller Central account as shown below:

✅ Listing New Products On Amazon 

Now let’s look at the process for listing a product that has never been sold on Amazon. In this case, you’ll now click on “Add a product” followed by “I’m adding a product not sold on Amazon.”

Choose your product category from the list, then enter all relevant information about your product (title, price, details, photos, fulfillment options).

After you’re done with this, click “Save and finish” and your product will be submitted for approval. If it’s approved, Amazon will assign it an ASIN and list it for sale. You can access the listing via your “Manage inventory” page.

Once your product detail page is “live”, shoppers can discover your product by searching on Amazon.

📌 For Brand Owners If you sell your own branded products, Amazon has tools to simplify the process: GTIN Exemption: For products without barcodes or Global Trade Item Numbers, request a GTIN exemption. Once approved, you can list your items seamlessly. Brand Registry: If you manufacture and own the brand, enroll in Amazon Brand Registry to gain greater control over your product detail pages and protect your brand identity.

Check for Restrictions & Category Approvals

After you’ve chosen your products, review Amazon’s product restrictions to ensure full compliance.

Certain items such as fine art, surveillance equipment, and recycled electronics  are prohibited, while others require pre-approval before listing. 

During the listing process, some categories may require additional documentation or verification; these are known as “gated categories”. A list of these categories is provided below:

And next, you need to optimize your listing. Here’s how to craft a listing that captures attention and converts browsers into buyers:

1. Title: Keep it keyword-rich, but readable

Your title should tell shoppers exactly what you’re selling, while naturally including your main keyword. 

Example: “Eco-Friendly Stainless Steel Water Bottle – BPA-Free, Leakproof, 32oz”.

It’s clear, searchable, and instantly communicates the product’s value.

2. Bullet Points: Turn features into benefits

Don’t just list specs, explain why they matter. Instead of saying “Made of stainless steel,” say “Durable stainless steel design keeps drinks cold for 24 hours.” Highlight 4–5 key features, benefits, and everyday use cases.

3. Description: Tell a story that sells

Use your product description to create emotional appeal. Paint a quick picture of how your product fits into the buyer’s life. For instance, if you’re selling a yoga mat, describe the comfort of unwinding after a long day, not just the mat’s dimensions.

4. Images: Show, don’t just tell

Use 6–7 high-quality images, including lifestyle shots, close-ups, and infographics that highlight key features. Clear, vibrant visuals instantly build trust, and on Amazon, trust equals conversions. ⚡ Tip: Use all image slots available. Listings with more visuals have higher conversion rates.

5. Backend Keywords: Optimize for Amazon’s A9 Algorithm

Amazon allows you to add “search terms”, so use them wisely. Add alternate spellings, synonyms, and long-tail keywords that your audience might search for.

Amazon’s A9 algorithm also looks at your bullet points, titles, and back-end keywords, so make sure you are using the exact terms your customers use while searching.

Use tools like Jungle Scout to find high-demand, low-competition keywords and identify your next best-selling products on Amazon.

Step 5: Ship Products to Amazon’s Fulfillment Centers

After creating your listing, you’ll need to send inventory to Amazon’s warehouse. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

1. Create a shipping plan in Seller Central

Log into your Seller Central account, navigate to the “Inventory” tab at the top, and select “Send/Replenish Inventory” from the dropdown menu.

You’ll now be directed to a page where you can either create a “New Shipping Plan” or add to an existing plan.

You can even “set replenishment alerts” as shown in the image for selected products (SKUs).

Amazon will guide you through creating a shipping plan, including how many units you’re sending and where they’re going.

2. Print and attach FNSKU barcodes

Every product you send must have an FNSKU label, which links that specific item to your Amazon listing. Print these directly from Seller Central and attach them neatly to each unit (or ask your supplier to do it before shipment).

To apply new FNSKUs to your products, sign in to Seller Central and navigate to Inventory → Manage Inventory, find your product, and select “Print Item Labels” from the dropdown menu.

Choose your label type, click Print Labels → OK, and apply the new FNSKU labels neatly to each product before shipping.

After clicking “Print Item Labels”, a PDF containing your FNSKU labels will be generated.

Download and save the file, then email it to your supplier to ensure your products are properly labeled before shipment.

3. Choose your shipping method

You can use Amazon-partnered carriers for discounted rates or arrange your own freight forwarder.

Air freight is faster (great for smaller shipments), while sea freight is cheaper but slower. Choose based on your timeline and budget.

4. Track your shipment

Once your products are en route, you can monitor their progress directly from Seller Central. Amazon will update you when your shipment arrives, is checked in, and becomes available for sale.

🚫 Don’t Lose Sales to These Beginner Mistakes

Mistake	Business Impact	Solution
Sending unlabeled or mismatched inventory	Amazon may reject or delay your shipment check-in, causing your products to go out of stock and delaying your launch.	Always print and attach FNSKU barcodes to every unit before shipping (or have your supplier do it). Double-check SKUs match the right listings.
Ignoring packaging & prep requirements	Improper packaging can lead to damaged goods, returns, and negative reviews, which hurt your seller rating and ranking.	Review Amazon’s FBA Packaging & Prep Requirements. Use bubble wrap, poly bags, and sturdy boxes for fragile or irregular items.
Forgetting to monitor stock levels	Going out of stock can tank your Best Seller Rank (BSR) and reduce visibility in search results, even after restocking.	Use Amazon’s Inventory Dashboard to track stock and set automatic reorder alerts to maintain consistent availability.

Once your inventory lands safely at Amazon’s fulfillment center and gets checked in, your listing officially goes live, meaning you’re open for business and ready to make your first sale.

⚡ doola tip: Keep a close eye on your “Inventory Dashboard” in Seller Central. It helps you plan reorders before you run out.

To find out if your products are “in stock”, just log in to your Amazon Seller Central account, then click on the menu bar on the left hand side, navigate to Inventory, and under the dropdown menu, select Manage Inventory. 

Under the Available column, you can view all the items that are “in stock” at a glance as shown:

Step 6: Launch and Market Your Product

Now comes the most exciting part: getting your product out into the world!

Here’s how to build momentum right from day 1:

1. Offer a competitive price to attract early buyers

Start slightly lower than similar listings in your niche to encourage conversions and gain algorithmic traction. You can always raise the price once your reviews and ranking improve.

2. Explore & experiment with advertising options

Promote your listing with keyword-focused ads to appear in top search results. For instance, if you’re selling reusable water bottles, target search terms like “eco-friendly bottle” or “BPA-free bottle.”

You can explore the following advertisement options exclusively available to Amazon sellers: 

• Sponsored Products: Cost-per-click ads that promote specific listings in search results and product pages. You can target keywords manually or let Amazon auto-match them. Sponsored products often see a 50%+ lift in weekly sales within a year.

• Sponsored Brands: Available once you sign up for Brand Registry. These ads feature your logo, custom headline, and multiple products, perfect for boosting brand awareness and driving sales. You can also add video to stand out in search results.

• Sponsored Display: Reach audiences both on and off Amazon using contextual targeting and rich media. Great for retargeting and expanding reach beyond Amazon’s marketplace.

You can also run external campaigns through Amazon Attribution and earn a Brand Referral Bonus (around 10%) on sales driven from your own marketing channels.

3. Encourage honest reviews from verified buyers

Authentic reviews build instant trust and social proof. Use Amazon’s Request a Review feature to follow up politely after a purchase, without flooding buyer’s inboxes with spammy messages.

If it feels challenging for new launches, join the Amazon Vine Program to offer free units to trusted reviewers and gain credible, “high-quality feedback” that boosts visibility and brand trust.

4. Use limited-time promotions and discount coupons 

You can drive conversions with time-bound offers and Amazon Coupons, which display a visible badge on search and product pages. 

Sellers can also expand reach through Amazon Social Media Promo Codes, which are basically shareable links perfect for influencer partnerships or campaigns to attract new customers and re-engage loyal ones.

5. Track performance in Seller Central → Reports → Business Reports

Your Amazon sales dashboard lets you monitor your sessions, conversion rate, and ad spend to see what’s working, and double down on what’s driving real results.

Here you can find historical data like units sold, revenue, and average order value, or visualize progress through trend graphs that reveal seasonality and long-term growth patterns.

⚡ doola tip: Don’t chase profits too early. Build momentum first. Focus on visibility, reviews, and ranking. Once your product earns trust and traction, the profits will follow naturally.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the key metrics worth tracking in your Amazon Business Reports:

Step 7: Manage and Scale Your Amazon FBA Business

Once your first product gains traction, it’s time to shift gears from launching to scaling. From here on, it’s mainly about optimizing every moving part of your operation for ‘long-term’ success.

Here’s how to transform your FBA business from a newly launched store into a thriving brand:

1. Monitor & manage inventory to boost sales

Avoid stockouts that can tank your Best Seller Rank (BSR) or overstocking that ties up your capital.

Use Amazon’s Restock Inventory tool or any third-party software to automate all your reorder alerts. 

Just log in to your Amazon Seller Central

, navigate to Inventory, and under the Inventory dropdown menu, select FBA Inventory.

You’ll see a dropdown menu under Inventory, click on Inventory Performance as shown here:

Here you’ll find your inventory performance and different ways to improve it as shown below:

Keep a close watch on critical FBA metrics like inventory levels, sales velocity, ad spend, Buy Box percentage, and keyword rankings. They’ll tell you exactly when to restock, scale, or adjust your strategy.

2. Use analytics to track performance and returns

Dig into Business Reports to understand what’s selling, what’s not, and why. Keep an eye on return reasons. They often reveal insights about product quality or listing accuracy.

👉🏼 Refine your listings based on customer feedback.

Use reviews and questions as free market research. If customers keep mentioning packaging issues or missing features, tweak your product or listing to address them.

👉🏼 Expand strategically with new variations or complementary products.

For example, if your bamboo toothbrushes are selling out fast, launch a travel case or eco-friendly floss next. Product bundling can also help boost average order value (AOV).

👉🏼 Build a loyal customer base beyond Amazon.

Use tools like Amazon’s Brand Registry to access A+ content, then extend your reach via email marketing, social media, or even your own website. A strong brand story keeps customers coming back.

All things considered, scaling an Amazon FBA business isn’t luck; it’s consistency, insights, and brand loyalty. When you run your business with data and put your customers first, growth stops being guesswork and becomes a system you can replicate over and over.

📚 Useful Resources for First-Time FBA Sellers Amazon Seller University: Free tutorials and webinars from Amazon to help you learn selling, advertising, and fulfillment. Amazon Seller Forums: A community of experienced sellers where you can ask questions, share your experiences on FBA, and find solutions to common challenges.

How doola Helps You Start and Scale Your Amazon FBA Business

Ask any top Amazon seller and they’ll agree: success on FBA isn’t just about great listings or fast shipping; it’s about having the right foundation from day one. That foundation starts with your business structure.

Before you list your first product, you’ll need a registered business entity, especially if you plan to sell globally, open a US bank account, or stay tax-compliant. That’s exactly where doola makes the difference.

From forming your US LLC or C-Corp (no matter where you’re based) to getting your EIN, US bank account, and seamless bookkeeping support, doola equips you with everything you need to launch and grow with confidence.

Whether you’re a US founder or an international entrepreneur, doola keeps your FBA business compliant and investor-ready, while you focus on scaling your brand, not drowning in paperwork.

And with doola by your side, you’re not just selling on Amazon, you’re building a business that’s built to last.

Start smart. Start global. Start with doola. Sign up for our services today.

FAQs

How much money do I need to start selling on Amazon FBA?

Typically between $1,000–$3,000, depending on your product, shipping costs, and marketing budget.

Do I need a business license or LLC for Amazon FBA?

It’s not mandatory to start, but having an LLC protects your personal assets and helps with tax benefits, especially if you plan to scale.

🔖 Related Read: Best LLC Service for Amazon FBA: Which One Should You Choose in 2025?

Can I sell on Amazon FBA from outside the US?

Yes. Thousands of non-US sellers use FBA. With doola, you can easily form a US LLC and access a US bank account to sell globally.

How do I choose profitable products to sell on Amazon?

Focus on high-demand, low-competition products with healthy margins. Tools like Helium 10 and Jungle Scout can help.

How long does it take to get approved as an Amazon seller?

Usually within 24–48 hours, if all your documents are in order.

What are the biggest mistakes beginners make with Amazon FBA?

Skipping product research, underpricing, ignoring Amazon fees, or running out of stock too soon.

How do I handle taxes as an Amazon FBA seller?

If you sell in the US, you’ll need to file taxes based on your business entity. doola’s bookkeeping and compliance services make tax time hassle-free.